Cain Velasquez released: Former UFC champion freed from prison after high-profile case
Jan Novak
Dailysports's expert
On February 15, 2026, former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez was released from prison. The American fighter had been behind bars following a sensational incident that unfolded in February 2022.
At that time, Velasquez pursued Harry Goularte by car—a man he suspected of molesting his young son. During the chase, the athlete opened fire at the vehicle. Goularte himself was unharmed, but his stepfather was wounded by a bullet. Velasquez was soon apprehended and faced several serious charges. In November 2022, the court granted him bail, but the legal proceedings continued.
In March 2025, the Santa Clara County Superior Court found the fighter guilty and sentenced him to five years in prison. Taking into account time already served and other credits, his sentence was reduced, allowing him to walk free in February 2026.
For the record, Velasquez's last fight took place in February 2019 at UFC on ESPN 1, where he suffered a first-round knockout loss to Francis Ngannou. Over his MMA career, he scored 14 victories against three losses and twice captured the UFC heavyweight title.
Velasquez's release has sparked widespread reaction in the sports community. Some see it as a dramatic story of a man defending his family, while others view it as a catalyst for debate about the limits of acceptable behavior. One way or another, the former champion's name is once again at the forefront of the mixed martial arts world.
